What Disney's "Cinderella" Deleted Scene Can Teach Us about Heaven

Disney recently released a number of deleted scenes for their new live-action Cinderella, including a scene during which Cinderella and the prince talk about their mothers, who are both in heaven.

This prompts the good-hearted Cinderella to say, "I think heaven is like the palace ball — everyone is invited."

Though set in a fairy-tale scene, the truth of these words are profound--every person has a divine and royal lineage. As a result, we are all invited back into the loving presence of our Heavenly Parents, but it is up to us to accept the invitation and the responsibilities our inherent divinity holds.

As Sister Rosemary Wixom said in the October 2015 general women's session, "Our divine nature comes from God. It was established in an existence that preceded our birth and will continue on into eternity. We identify with our divine nature as we feel and give the love of our Father in Heaven. We have the agency to nurture it, let it flourish, and help it grow."

Like Cinderella, the only way we can obtain a happily-ever-after is if we find a way to be happy even now. For, as President Uchtdorf taught us in that same conference, happiness is not something reserved for eternity, "Now is part of eternity. It doesn’t only begin after we die! Faith and hope will open your eyes to the happiness that is placed before you now."

And, as he reminds us in his memorable talk given in April 2010 general conference:

Isn’t that what we all desire: to be the heroes and heroines of our own stories; to triumph over adversity; to experience life in all its beauty; and, in the end, to live happily ever after?

Today I want to draw your attention to something very significant, very extraordinary. On the first page of yourYoung Women Personal Progress book, you will find these words: “You are a beloved daughter of Heavenly Father, prepared to come to the earth at this particular time for a sacred and glorious purpose.”

Sisters, those words are true! They are not made up in a fairy tale! Isn’t it remarkable to know that our eternal Heavenly Father knows you, hears you, watches over you, and loves you with an infinite love? In fact, His love for you is so great that He has granted you this earthly life as a precious gift of “once upon a time,” complete with your own true story of adventure, trial, and opportunities for greatness, nobility, courage, and love. And, most glorious of all, He offers you a gift beyond price and comprehension. Heavenly Father offers to you the greatest gift of all—eternal life—and the opportunity and infinite blessing of your own “happily ever after.”

But such a blessing does not come without a price. It is not given simply because you desire it. It comes only through understanding who you are and what you must become in order to be worthy of such a gift.